
Late run lifts Freeman over Johns in three games
Max Freeman is into the men’s singles Round of 16 after an 11-5, 0-11, 11-9 victory over No. 5 seed Ben Johns.
It looked like Johns was in full control after earning 9-5 lead in Game 3 after an 11-0 pickle in the second, but a timeout helped Freeman come all the way back to pull off one of the many early-round upsets fans have seen so far in Bristol.
“It was a pretty weird match,” Freeman noted afterwards. “I think Ben got off to a little bit of a slow start, and I was able to capitalize on that early and got a little bit of confidence in that first game. Obviously, I got pickled in the second game—I cooled all the way down, and I don’t think [Ben] missed a ball. And when he went up 9-5 in the third, things were looking pretty bleak, so I called a timeout, strung a few points together and got lucky at the end.”
“This is a very momentum-based game, very trendy one way to the other so you’ve just gotta tell yourself that anything can happen out there and just keep playing one point at a time.”
Freeman, the No. 32 seed this week, will next face No. 21 seed Grayson Goldin with a spot in the quarterfinals on the line.
Related articles

Carvana PPA Tour announces 2026-2027 schedule featuring marquee U.S. and international events
The health of professional pickleball has never been stronger.
2 hours ago
-PPA Staff

Sofia Sewing joining PPA Tour in January 2027
The standout talent will be an exciting addition to the circuit.
5 hours ago
-Pickleball.com Staff

Big crowds and a big upset at Carvana Mesa Cup
The play did not disappoint as Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns both went into Sunday with a shot at a Triple Crown.
1 day ago
-Jim Kloss

HAWORTH TOPPLES JOHNS, WATERS DEFEATS FAHEY, #1 SEEDS TAKE DOUBLES TITLES
“You guys should know by now, we’re going to Korean barbecue and we might go to the casino. At this point, it’s kind of… how do you say it? Tradition.” —Gabe Tardio
1 day ago
-Hannah Johns